Development News

Reimagine Washtenaw seeks feedback on future of Washtenaw Ave.

Nathan Voght, ReImagine Washtenaw Wednesday, May 15, 2013

It's no secret that things are happening on Washtenaw Ave. From the forthcoming Arbor Hills Crossing shopping center to new pedestrian walkways, the corridor between Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti is in the midst of a transformation. With these changes in mind, the multi-jurisdictional land use planning and public transit initiative, ReImagine Washtenaw, wants to get public feedback on the future of the avenue.

"We want the public to review various corridor cross-section alternatives and give us their preference," says ReImagine Washtenaw Project Manager Nathan Voght. "We’re also asking for feedback on best locations for mid-block pedestrian crossings, and where other pedestrian safety enhancements may be needed."

The initiative is already involved in multiple projects to make Washtenaw Ave. friendlier to pedestrians and bicyclists and addressing traffic congestion and land use issues. Based on feedback from the public forums scheduled this month, future projects could address traffic congestion with a boulevard, a “road diet” or other variations. Voght says knowing what the public wants Washtenaw Ave. to be like will help ReImagine Washtenaw partners know how to act when the time is right.

"When MDOT funding becomes available, they will have a strong sense of what the community wants for the corridor," says Voght, "and we’ll be able to work quickly and efficiently to develop construction drawings for the work that achieves our goals."

The public forums will take place on May 28 and 29 at the Washtenaw County Service Center, May 30 at Carpenter Elementary School, and May 31 at EMU's McKenny Union. Additional details are available at: washtenawavenue.org.

Source: Nathan Voght, Washtenaw County
Writer: Natalie Burg

All Paws Grooming brings love of pets and Ypsi-made products to Hewitt Rd.

Annette Collins, All Paws Grooming Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Annette Collins is no stranger to the pet business. Between herself and her four groomers at All Paws Grooming on Hewitt Rd. in Ypsilanti, the new business brings 47 years of experience to customers.

"People really like us because we're so dog-friendly," says Collins. "When the dogs come in they start wagging their tails, and everything is dog proof, so they can snoop around all they want."

All Paws Grooming opened in an approximately 2,000 square-foot bungalow in late March, and already, Collins says the business is even busier than she and her husband had hoped.

"We opened with a bang," she says. "Our pastor came and blessed the place when we opened, and we've had great success."

In both her dog grooming products and her retail items, such as collars and doggies' clothing, Collins focuses on stocking American-made inventory. She also carries several Ypsilanti-made products. As a local business, she says supporting other local entrepreneurs is a high priority.

Eventually, Collins hopes to add daycare, as well as dog obedience classes for her clients at the new facility. Clients also benefit from her son's massage therapy business, which is located above All Paws. Clients can get a massage after dropping off their pets for grooming.

Source: Annette Collins, All Paws Grooming
Writer: Natalie Burg

Unity Vibration adds staff, opens new tasting room

Tarek Kanaan, Unity Vibration Living Kombucha Tea Wednesday, May 08, 2013

It's been a busy year for Ypsilanti kombucha brewer Unity Vibration. The company, founded by Rachel and Tarek Kanaan after they began experimenting with brewing their own kombucha and kombucha beer in 2006, has expanded the reach of their product from two markets to 12 since January of last year. Today, Unity Vibration kombucha is sold in Michigan, Chicago, Ohio, New York, New Jersey, Maine, Florida, Washington, Oregon, L.A., San Francisco and Sacramento.

"It takes time to grow a truly unique product and create a category," says Rachel Kanaan of Unity Vibration's unique kombucha beer. "We get a lot of positive feedback everyday, so we know it's worth growing at a healthy rate."

There's evidence of the small company's growth at their headquarters as well. The Kanaans have hired a staff of four, and are now building a new tasting room in their Ypsilanti brewing facility.

"We wanted more direct contact with our customers," says Tarek Kanaan, "and it seemed like a cool thing to do. Eventually we will have a tasting room either in Depot Town or Michigan Ave, which will be much more of a healthy foods, kombucha, music-venue kind of hip spot."

The first Unity Vibration tasting room is currently under construction in the company's Ecorse Rd. facility. Though the footprint will be small, it will include a bar and a 'keezer,' which is a converted freezer with six taps coming out of it. At the tasting room, visitors will be able to buy growlers, as well as packaged products, and taste samples.

The Kanaans plan for continued growth down the road as well. They hope to expand their operations to include a farm where their ingredients can be grown, and to hire additional staff. In the meantime, they'll keep growing their list of new kombucha flavors, including the new Bourbon Peach, Kombucha Pale Ale and their seasonal Kombucha Tea Cranberry Clementine.

Source: Rachel and Tarek Kanaan, Unity Vibration Living Kombucha Tea
Writer: Natalie Burg

Veteran family housing proposed as $6M renovation project

Bob Beale, Premier Property Management Wednesday, May 08, 2013

Local veterans and their families could have a new housing option in Ypsilanti Twp. Julie Fielek, owner of Oakridge Apartments on Holmes Rd., would like to turn her 64-unit rental property into a place where veterans with families can find affordable housing and specialized services.

"Julie has been doing work for veterans over the past few years," says Bob Beale, owner of Premier Property Management, which manages the 20-year-old Oakridge Apartments. "There are some very specific needs veteran families need."

The project, which Beale estimates will cost between $6 and $7 million, aims to renovate the 64 units, as well as build a community center that can accommodate some of those special services, including having healthcare staff available to address posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and provide daycare for veterans so they more easily find and maintain employment.

Oakridge Apartments are now fully leased. Beale says residents will be notified of the transition, and the management will work with other area rental properties to help relocate those who may need assistance.

Low-income housing tax credits will be sought to help finance the project, and Beale says additional applications will be made for Housing and Urban Development grants. An application for Washtenaw County HOME funds has been approved to assist as well, contingent upon securing the housing tax credits.

Should the financing move forward, Beale anticipates renovations being completed in 2015.

Source: Bob Beale, Premier Property Management
Writer: Natalie Burg

$4M Thompson Block plan includes 16 lofts in downtown Ypsi

Stewart Beal, Beal Properties Wednesday, April 24, 2013

A new, $4 million plan in the works for the Thompson Block property in Ypsilanti includes 16 luxury lofts, 14,000 square feet of commercial space and 30 onsite parking spaces.

"The building is one of the most historic buildings in the entire state of Michigan," says developer Stewart Beal of Beal Properties, who has been working to redevelop the property for several years. "The project is extremely important to me."

Beal presented his new plan to the Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority last week, including the news of new investors who have helped raise $300,000 toward the project goal of $1,740,000. Beal calls the new investors critical to the success of the development.

The presentation also requested support from the DDA in the form of grants from the organization's Façade Improvement and Building Rehabilitation programs, consideration of future DDA liquor license requests and a letter of support to the Michigan Economic Growth Corporation to help secure financial support.

Beal hopes to begin work on the revised Thompson Block plan after a 6-month period of raising new equity, obtaining local and state approvals and signing leases for the spaces. He anticipates construction to begin in late 2013 or early 2014 and complete work by late 2014 or early 2015.

Source: Stewart Beal, Beal Properties
Writer: Natalie Burg

The Eyrie to bring Michigan-made goods to Depot Town

Janette Rook, The Eyrie Wednesday, April 24, 2013

After traveling the world for more than a decade as a flight attendant, Janette Rook knew just what kind of gifts she wanted to feature in her new Depot Town shop, The Eyrie, set to open April 25.

"You don't see the regional differences or the unique local items like I remember more from when I was a kid, and from other countries," says Rook, who also worked as a union activist before deciding to open her own business. "I'd like to recreate that more vibrant experience as much as I can in our little corner of Michigan."

Rook decided the beautiful historic storefront in Ypsilanti's Depot Town was the perfect place to showcase a variety of goods from Michigan artisans including art, accessories, home décor items and potted plants.

"I'd love for this place to be one more reason folks come to Ypsilanti and see what I see," says Rook, "not only in Depot Town, but in downtown Ypsilanti. There is a feeling of new beginnings here that is interesting, exciting and hopeful."

Even the renovations put into the 750 square-foot shop were Michigan-made, as Rook painted, stained and fixed up the place herself. Rook will be staffing The Eyrie herself initially, but plans to add up to two new positions at the shop in the upcoming months.

Source: Janette Rook, The Eyrie
Writer: Natalie Burg

New tenant, ITI, at Willow Run GM facility to create 25 jobs

Bruce Rasher, RACER Trust Wednesday, April 10, 2013

With the promise of investment and new jobs, locally owned International Turbine Industries (ITI) will soon bring back to life 23,000 square feet of a 300-acre Willow Run property. RACER Trust, the organization tasked with remediating and positioning for redevelopment former GM locations, announced the agreement with ITI to purchase the former General Motors Willow Run Company Vehicle Operations facility in early April.

"I applaud Mark and Rhonda Andrews for their commitment to Michigan," says RACER Trust Redevelopment Manager Bruce Rasher of the ITI owners. "They had opportunities elsewhere but wanted to stay and grow at Willow Run. I'm very pleased that we were able to play a role in that decision."

ITI is expected to invest $50,000 into the facility and add 25 new jobs to their current staff of 10. The company specializes in engine repair, overhaul and inspection of jet engines. Andrews has worked at or near Willow Run Airport since 1988. RACER says the decision to grow his company in Michigan was based on giving his employees the chance to stay in the area.

More than 300 acres and a 5-million-square-foot facility remain for sale at the site. RACER will continue to market the property.

"Our goal is to do what the community has asked us to do," says Rasher, "attract new jobs and economic activity to the site as soon as possible. We have had, and continue to have, discussions with several interested parties from a variety of sectors."

Rasher says he's been impressed with the level of engagement and partnership of local elected officials and economic development organizations during the marketing of the Willow Run properties.

"They've been great to work with," he says. "They very clearly see the potential of Willow Run and are just as active and energized as we are about the future of that site."

Source: Bruce Rasher, RACER Trust
Writer: Natalie Burg, Development News Editor

Environment Michigan report urges Ypsi to set goal of 1,000 solar roofs

Virginia Shannon, Environment Michigan Wednesday, April 10, 2013

A new report by Environment Michigan's Research and Policy Center suggests Ypsilanti leaders set a new goal of 1,000 roofs by 2020 and outlines steps the city can take to make that happen.

"For such a small city, Ypsilanti ranks third for concentration of solar projects," says Virginia Shannon of Environment Michigan. "It's already leading the way. It's a really exciting goal. It's also definitely reachable and realistic."

The report was presented during an event at the Ypsilanti Food Co-op on Monday with representatives from Environment Michigan, Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association and SolarYpsi, among others.

The study recommends the goal of 1,000 solar roofs in Ypsilanti can be reached with the following four steps: leading by example by employing solar roofs on city and historic buildings; promoting and streamlining information for the public on financing options for solar roofs; partnering with non-profits, business and Eastern Michigan University to build awareness an educate the public; and supporting policies at all levels of government that promote solar energy.

"The report highlights the ability of solar to become a point of pride and identity for the community," says Shannon. "The mayor and others are always talking about how to make it a destination college town and a sustainable community. Solar helps in both ways."

According to Shannon, reaching this bold goal of covering 1,000 of Ypsilanti's 5,000 homes with solar roofs is key to creating that identity. With 13 major solar projects already in place in Ypsilanti and classes in solar technology offered at EMU, this distinction is intended to further the community's identity as a place to both learn about and become involved in solar energy.

Source: Virginia Shannon, Environment Michigan
Writer: Natalie Burg

First area restaurant equipment resale shop opens in Ypsilanti

JW Boyle, America's Resellers Corp Wednesday, April 03, 2013

The expression about one door opening as another closes has taken on a literal meaning for business owner J.W. Boyle, who may no longer be planning to launch Great Day Gourmet Brownies in Ypsilanti, but just recently opened the doors of America's Resellers Corp., or ARC on E. Michigan Ave.

Though complications with a major utility claim prevented Great Day Gourmet Brownies from opening, Boyle took his 30 years of restaurant experience and all of the equipment he'd purchased for the business and turned it into ARC, which Boyle says is the first business of its kind in the area.

"There is nobody who does restaurant equipment with our inside experience," says Boyle. "We opened the first day at 8:30 in the morning, and there had been cars waiting. Local restaurants are tickled."

The 7,800 sq. ft. building on E. Michigan Ave. had been abandoned for several years, but Boyle says its size and convenient location was perfect for his showroom. Boyle offers new and refurbished restaurant equipment for sale, but he says making sales isn't his only goal.

"It's about service to the community and helping people," says Boyle. "We try to help people who are opening a business, and take them through the steps. We'll sit down in my conference room and go through their food cost and their menu and their rent."

ARC opened its doors about three weeks ago, after Boyle spent about a year building the business through online sales. The family business employs a staff of five. Boyle says he hopes to be a great resource for local restaurateurs, both with his inventory and his advice.

Source: JW Boyle, America's Resellers Corp
Writer: Natalie Burg

Willow Run Airport to invest $20M in runway reconstruction

Scott Wintner, Willow Run Airport Wednesday, April 03, 2013

Keeping an airport in good condition is of no small importance, particularly one that is as integrally linked to an area's economic development as Willow Run Airport is to Washtenaw County.

"It's a chicken-and-egg thing," says Scott Wintner, public affairs manager for the Wayne County Airport Authority, which operates Willow Run Airport. "We're counting on the efforts of our economic development partners to prove there is demand for a strong airport, and we also know that that Willow Run needs to be developed to continue those economic development efforts."

To keep that reciprocal relationship moving forward, Willow Run will embark on an approximately $20 million reconstruction of the northern half of its longest runway this year. Though the project will only involve the removal and rebuilding of half the 7,525-foot runway, Wintner explains that the process is far from simple.

"A runway is a lot more complicated than your typical driveway," says Wintner. "If you look at the architectural plans, you'd think you were looking at a mansion. It's a lot more intricate than you'd imagine."

About $18 million of the project will come from a federal government grant, with the remaining ten percent evenly divided between state funding and Willow Run. The southern half of the runway is ready for reconstruction as soon as funding for the $23 million project can be secured.

The runway reconstruction is part of a 10-year, $182 million capital improvement plan that has been in place at Willow Run for some time. Wintner says much of these plans involve improving aging infrastructure, some of which has been in place since the 1940s.

Source: Scott Wintner, Willow Run Airport
Writer: Natalie Burg

Ypsi's Screamin Hot Shoes caters to every woman's foot

Clay Byrd, Screamin Hot Shoes Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Paula Filek has had a dream of getting into the shoe business for years. The owner of Paula's Barbershop in Ypsilanti has long wanted to give more women more choices when it comes to shoes, and a storefront just a quick walk down Cross St. from her shop recently provided the opportunity for her dream to come true.

Screamin Hot Shoes celebrated its opening in Depot Town earlier this month, offering everything from flip flops to party shoes at prices employee Clay Byrd says aren't available anywhere else.

"A lot of our shoes are inspired by what top designers are doing with their shoes," says Byrd, noting that price is all that separates their selection from such high profile designers. "We have nothing that compares to what you would pay for a Jimmy Choo. You can get a fun pair of shoes here and still have the money to go out in them."

While Screamin Hot Shoes has quickly been noted for the store's offering of shoes for transgendered women and drag queens, most of these shoes in larger sizes and more elaborate styles are available on the shop's website rather than in-store.

"She just wanted to sell really pretty shoes," Byrd says of Filek. "We want people to feel comfortable and explore their inner diva and have a good time."

Screamin Hot Shoes currently employs Byrd and Filek, and Filek and hopes to continue to grow in the new space. She plans to eventually expand her inventory to include hosiery and accessories.

Source: Clay Byrd, Screamin Hot Shoes
Writer: Natalie Burg

Washtenaw County awards $600,000 in trail grants to four communities

Coy Vaughn, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Wednesday, March 20, 2013

In four Washtenaw County communities, projects intended to help people get places will soon be really getting somewhere. Ann Arbor, Dexter, Pittsfield Twp. and Ypsilanti Twp. will each receive a portion of the $600,000 awarded this month by Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission.

The awards were a part of the Connecting Communities Initiative, a five-year program intended to invest in the County's non-motorized trail systems.

"Every once in awhile we'll update our parks and recreation master plan for the county, which includes doing a survey to the public," says Coy Vaugh, deputy director of the Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission. "Trails are always number one on the list.

This program allows local municipalities to create connections between trails maintained by the County and key points in their communities.

Now in its fourth year, Connecting Communities has supported such projects as the trail connecting Whitmore Lake Elementary School to surrounding residential neighborhoods in Northfield Twp. and a 950-foot Chelsea trail along Old US-12 connecting the boardwalk system at Pierce Lake Golf Course with neighborhoods and schools.

Of the total $600,000 grant, Ann Arbor and Pittsfield Twp. each received $150,000. Dexter received $225,000 and Ypsilanti Twp. received $75,000. The communities were required to match the funds, which are earmarked for construction only, with the cost of engineering the projects. Eight projects in six communities vied for the funding this year.

Source: Coy Vaughn, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation
Writer: Natalie Burg

Insomnia Cookies to open second area location in Ypsi

Renee Sarnecky, Insomnia Cookies Wednesday, March 20, 2013

It would appear that area snackers just can't get enough late-night cookies. An Insomnia Cookies store is set to open on W. Cross St. in Ypsilanti, just one year after the brand's Ann Arbor location opened it's doors on S. University.

"The Ann Arbor location is doing beautifully," says Marketing Manager of Serve U Brands Renee Sarnecky for Insomnia Cookies. "The students and the local community seem to really enjoy the late night retail and delivery hours."

Though an exact date isn't set, Sarnecky expects the new Insomnia Cookies to open at some point in April with a staff of up to 10 employees.

"Ypsilanti is the perfect place for an Insomnia Cookies, and being the home of Eastern Michigan University makes it even more perfect," Sarnecky says. "Students are always in need of a late night snack. With limited late night food options, especially ones that deliver."

For more detailed updates on opening dates, Sarnecky directs cookie fans to the Insomnia Cookie Facebook page. A grand opening will be planned for the location that will include the distribution of free cookie coupons in and around EMU's campus.

Source: Renee Sarnecky, Insomnia Cookies
Writer: Natalie Burg

Ypsi DDA to invest up to $30K in building rehab assistance

Tim Colbeck, Ypsilanti DDA Wednesday, March 06, 2013

Renovating a historic commercial building is no easy task, but the Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority (YDDA) is working to make it more manageable to do so in their district. The organization has recently announced that $30,000 will be made available through their YDDA Building Rehabilitation Program.

"This is an opportunity for a businesses to expand or come into a space or to leverage funds to increase their property value," says YDDA Director Tim Colbeck.

The funds are eligible to cover up to 50 percent of the cost to rehabilitate buildings within the YDDA district. Qualifying projects include ADA accessibility construction, fire suppression upgrades, or other tasks involved in bringing buildings up to code inside the YDDA district, which includes properties in downtown, Depot Town and the W. Cross St. District.

"It's not for a coat of paint," says Colbeck. "It has to be something that will take a building that is in a state of disrepair and bring it up to code. It's not just cosmetic stuff in the interior."

The YDDA Building Rehabilitation Program is now in its fourth round of grants. This round will differ from the prior three in that, rather than accepting applications until a particular deadline, grants will be awarded on a rolling basis. The $30,000 available through the program is funded by the YDDA and the Washtenaw County Economic Development & Energy Department. Applications are available on the YDDA's website.

Source: Tim Colbeck, Ypsilanti DDA
Writer: Natalie Burg, Development News Editor

Blue Wolf Grill brings locally-sourced fare to former Taco Bell

Charles Molina, Blue Wolf Grill Wednesday, February 20, 2013

With the many challenges that face any new restaurant, Blue Wolf Grill co-owner Charles Molina knew one thing wouldn't be a problem with his new Washtenaw Avenue restaurant.

"No one has trouble finding us," he says. "You tell everybody you're in the old Taco Bell, and they know what that means. That building is iconic."

While the building may still resemble the well-known fast food restaurant, everything else about the Blue Wolf Grill is entirely different. The 1,400 square foot restaurant has a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, such as cherries from Traverse City, whitefish from the Great Lakes and coffee from Cadillac.

"The food is American new," says Molina. "It has a lot of different influences, like comfort food, and there is some Asian influence too."

Molina and his girlfriend Cheri Jackson aren't newcomers to the food business or the neighborhood. Their We Cater To U catering company is right on the other side of Washtenaw from the Blue Wolf Grill. And, according to Molina, the rush of new restaurants popping up along the busy avenue has only endeared them to the location even more.

"We welcome it," he says. "The strip between Hewitt and Golfside has been dead for awhile. We look at it as, the more businesses that are here, the more traffic, and the more potential customers who can try our food."

The Blue Wolf Grill opened in mid-December with a staff of 12, and Molina says business is already doing quite well. He has plans to create an outdoor patio to supplement his indoor seating for 34 diners, including landscaping to shelter outdoor diners from Washtenaw traffic.

Source: Charles Molina, Blue Wolf Grill
Writer: Natalie Burg

Ypsilanti : Development News